Synonyms of resist

resist

verb

ri-ˈzist 

as in to oppose

to refuse to give in to

it is important to resist the temptation to run away from your problems

Synonyms & Similar Words

• oppose
• withstand
• fight
• repel
• defy
• thwart
• combat
• challenge
• counter
• contradict
• buck
• contend (with)
• hinder
• contest
• obstruct
• frustrate
• stem
• check
• battle
• dispute
• balk
• foil
• baffle

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• submit (to)
• yield (to)
• surrender (to)
• succumb (to)
• bow (to)
• give in (to)
• stoop (to)
• capitulate (to)
• knuckle under (to)

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb resist differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of resist are combat, oppose, and withstand. While all these words mean "to set oneself against someone or something," resist implies an overt recognition of a hostile or threatening force and a positive effort to counteract or repel it.

resisting temptation

When can combat be used instead of resist?

Although the words combat and resist have much in common, combat stresses the forceful or urgent countering of something.

combat disease

In what contexts can oppose take the place of resist?

While in some cases nearly identical to resist, oppose can apply to any conflict, from mere objection to bitter hostility or warfare.

opposed the plan

When might withstand be a better fit than resist?

The synonyms withstand and resist are sometimes interchangeable, but withstand suggests a more passive resistance.

trying to withstand peer pressure

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of resist

Netanyahu has tried to blame the failures on the army and security agencies and repeatedly resisted calls for an official state commission of inquiry that would look into the government decision-making as well. —Natalie Melzer, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2025

September’s fiesta is in gratitude to soldiers who resisted a siege on the town by French soldiers over the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries, ensuring the region remained a Basque community. —Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2025

For starters, who can resist an easy, cheesy, potato casserole? —Nellah Bailey McGough, Southern Living, 24 Apr. 2025

On Tuesday, Japanese media reported that Prime Minister Fumio Kishida received a letter from Chinese No. 2 Premier Li Qiang, urging him to join Beijing in resisting protectionism. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025